Race Previews

Meet Team OutPace...

Saturday, 01 July 2023 00:10

By Mike Combs

Local triathlon clubs are great for the triathlon community and are a wonderful way for athletes to train together. When you go to a triathlon in Minnesota, you see athletes with tri club attire from so many different clubs. Tri West Triathlon is going to highlight the many great clubs around our great state, along with hosting the first annual Minnesota Triathlon Club Championship. Between now and Tri West, there will be articles from interviews from different triathlon clubs....

Team OutPace is a Twin Cities-based community of athletes who are united in their passion for endurance sports such as triathlon, running, cross country skiing, and mountain biking. Athletes include those from all skill levels and experience, ages 18-65+, who either want to challenge themselves, do something new outside their comfort zone, and/or accomplish a lifelong dream or performance level. Some also focus their goals in support or in honor of others, or simply enjoy being a part of a team while staying active and appreciating the day-to-day process. 

The coaches within Team OutPace have unique backgrounds and strengths, but all strive to help athletes optimize performance and achieve goals within daily life responsibilities and other priorities. OutPace coaches recognize that life looks different for everyone at different seasons and stages of life, so they enjoy working with athletes to define these goals and help work towards them, while also enjoying the journey along the way. One member said, "I’ve had coaches before but none that I have actually connected with or that have inspired and pushed me to keep going, who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself."

In the summer, Team OutPace members can take advantage of weekly track workouts and get togethers for group open water swimming. The team has also trained together during Team Camp weekends, virtual winter group riding, and winter ski sessions and challenges. The combination of excellent coaching and group workouts allow for members to excel in a wide variety of ways. “I'm so happy to be a part of the OPC experience. The folks I've met, knowledge I've gained, and, most importantly, the goals I have attained have FAR exceeded my expectations,” said one member. 

If you are looking for a team that goes all out for events, this is definitely one to consider. Team OutPace participates in local races and endurance events, but also travels to destination races across the country. Local races include running, biking, skiing, and triathlon races. Destination races typically include triathlon or running events that are during early/late season when local triathlon races aren't available. 

Outside of training and competitive events, Team OutPace offers opportunities for team members to connect throughout the year for socialization, from season kick-off gatherings to end of season celebrations. Athletes get together to train throughout the year or during semi-annual benchmark testing. At designated team or destination races, they often enjoy pre-race dinners or post-race hikes, and occasionally team lodging or camping.

The group communicates in a wide variety of ways, from their team Facebook group, phone, text, email, and even video meetings from time to time. Topics have included:
• Understanding the athlete's background/experience/goals/other life priorities

• Sharing workout feedback and answering questions

• Adjustments to be made to personalized weekly training plans

• Race day execution and fueling strategy

• Training tips


Team OutPace is currently accepting new members and would be happy to discuss coaching services as well as athlete goals with anyone interested. Learn more or reach out at www.
Outpacecoaching.com.

Outpace is just one of many clubs that will be competing at Tri West on Sunday, July 23rd. Find more information here: www.tinyurl.com/triwest2023